Entertaining spaces

The time for parties, dinners and sing-alongs has come again as the festive season is among us. It’s time to decorate your Christmas tree, wrap the staircase in tinsel and spend precious time with your loved ones in your home. Whether you’re sat round the dining table tucking into Christmas dinner or popping champagne bottles and toasting the New Year, we have some top tips for creating the perfect entertaining space during this period.

Throwing a party takes organisation and it is all about the space. A home that is ideal for entertaining doesn’t have to be large, it is simply about how you design and adapt the space you have to suit its function. Let’s start at the beginning as first impressions always count! It is important to design an inviting entry that will set the stage for your guest’s experience. Often creating enough space for a group to comfortably enter and remove their coats is a good place to start. If you are able to set aside space for guests to hang their coats and get comfortable, this works nicely. The next stage is all about how the space flows, taking guests from one room to another with ease is key. Why not look for one space in your home where people can cumulate for the duration of the event? Perhaps with access to suitable outdoor space is always an added bonus.  

The next key point to think about is lighting; the best entertainers use lighting to set the mood. Natural light cannot be relied on during this season, so it is important to consider a style of lighting that is ideal for the event and sets an ambience. If it is a day event natural light could be a winner, but for an evening party, dimmer lighting with candles would be well suited. It is also important to consider seating as you will need to find a balance between having enough seating for your guests but still leaving plenty of space for people stand, move about, or even dance! For the host, easy access to the kitchen is crucial and open-plan kitchen/dining rooms are perfect for this very situation. And finally, some homes benefit from fantastic and irresistible features which can certainly help create an unforgettable experience for guests. Whether it’s a wine cellar, an outdoor kitchen, or a bar, why not incorporate this into your party to ‘wow’ your guests and make your home on to remember.

We’ve gathered some of our favourite properties that we think are ideal homes for entertaining. Take a look here:

Foxgrove Road, Beckenham, BR3

A spectacular semi-detached house, a testament to elegant design and perfect for entertainment. With over 5,000 sq. ft. of space, the home features a hot tub, soundproofed bar and party room, and classic charm throughout. Located close to the high street and train stations, the six bedroom house offers a fantastic livestyle with unrivalled entertaining spaces. 

Holmcote Gardens, N5

A beautiful family home in a great location in Highbury with incredible lateral space. The fantastic entertaining space includes a family kitchen, a dining area and cosy TV area. The lovely garden extends to over 100 ft and includes a garden studio, extending directly off the family room.